What’s Happening in the December Greenhouse
A little over a year ago I assembled my first greenhouse and started a journey of learning how to grow things in the winter. As we close the month of December season, I am excited to share some of my upgrades and updates. One of my favorite things to do each day is to spend some time taking care of the seeds and flowers and enjoying a little taste of summer even on dreary December days. Here are a few things that have been happening in the December greenhouse.
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What’s Happening in the December Greenhouse
This December has been unseasonably warm. As I write this, I’m sitting out by the fire pit with temperatures in the high 50’s – definitely not typical. Because of the warm weather, I think my pansies are not doing quite as well as they did last year. But I’m hopeful that some of them will survive the season and start to thrive. I’ve been deadheading the spent blossoms and am babying them with plenty of water, so we’ll see!
New Greenhouse Cover
The zipper on my greenhouse broke this summer so my family bought me a new replacement cover for Christmas. It easily fit right on top of my existing greenhouse but unfortunately, the zipper on my new cover broke on the 2nd day. I don’t recommend this replacement cover and haven’t decided if I’m going to try to return it or buy a zipper fix-it kit. I know that I really need to upgrade my greenhouse to a more permanent structure next year but haven’t decided what that’s going to look like yet.
I do like having the second plastic layer for my greenhouse as we get into the colder days of winter. I’m just not sure what I’m going to do yet about the broken zipper on the door.
Bamboo Planting Shelf
For Christmas, my parents gifted me a bamboo planting shelf to go along the back wall of the greenhouse. This is a great addition that gives me so much more shelf space. I’m excited to be able to grow more plants and utilize the back wall. There is also a floating bar that lets me hang wind chimes or other decorations to make the greenhouse more cheery!
Don’t my pansies look peaked? I’m really not sure if I can get them to come back to life and thrive but I’m going to try!
Warming Mat
Last year I purchased a simple warming mat to put under my seedling tray. This month, I added an outdoor extension cord and plugged in the warming mat out in the greenhouse. I’m trying to grow some peas, beans, and lettuce so I’m hopeful that the warming mat will help them germinate faster. Stay tuned for updates!
Brick Raised Bed
I used some extra bricks along the bottom shelf to create a simple raised bed for peas, beans, and more lettuce. This gives me more planting space for the vegetables. I’m not sure how they will do, but I’m ready to watch the progress.
Have you noticed the acrylic plant stakes that I’m using in my greenhouse planters? I ordered them from an etsy seller but can’t find the exact account. Here is a similar product if you want to order some for yourself
I love having a winter greenhouse and can’t wait to see what starts growing next. Have you ever tried to grow vegetables and flowers during the winter? I’d love to hear your tips!
